Recap for TNA Impact 7.22.2010, taped from the Impact Zone in Orlando, FL.

There's a rather disturbing video of Abyss hanging out around a playground. But we open with a match!

Match 1: TNA Global Championship: AJ Styles over Rob Terry via Kaz-ference in 3 minutes. Very short, but that was probably a good thing. The Global belt is pretty meaningless but better to have it around AJ's waist than Terry's. 1 for 1.

Taz and Tenay discuss the last week's events. They say Dixie has an explanation tonight, and Mick Foley returns! And the people rejoiced, "yay."

Madison Rayne and Sarita are in the back, talking trash about Velvet Sky and Taylor Wilde, respectively. Apparently Lacey's taken Velvet's side. Rayne tells Velvet that all is right with the world tonight because she's getting her belt back. She tells Velvet to get ready for a match.

Backstage, Dixie confronts D'Lo Brown, Al Snow, and Simon Diamond (I think), asking them what the hell they were doing last week. Pretty keen observation on the part of Karlos to note the reactions of Snow last week and now good continuity on the part of TNA. They really had no idea.

Match 2: Angelina Love and Taylor Wilde over Madison Rayne and Sarita (Love on Rayne, Lights Out) in 2 minutes. Nothing match, though they all showcased a nice bit of intensity. Pre-match, Hebner announced that the TNA Championship committee could find no evidence of the mystery woman being one of the Beautiful People, and hence reinstated Madison Rayne as the Knockouts champ. Postmatch, the mystery woman came in to join an attack on Love and Wilde, while Sky and Von Erich showed up to view the action. Rayne and Sky vied for Lacey's services, and she sided with Rayne after a bit of confusion. Sky was less than pleased, though she did make a bit of eye contact with Angie. FORESHADOWING~! 1 for 2.

Match 3: Kurt Angle (#8) over Hernandez (#7) via Ankle Lock in 6 minutes. Kurt was feeling it tonight, including an attempted moonsault. The match got a decent amount of time and Angle usually doesn't miss when he gets time. 2 for 3.

Kevin Nash comes out as Angle celebrates his win. Angle and Nash are civil to each other! CONTINUITY~! Life point for you, TNA. Nash wants to talk to Jarrett and he shows up. Nash says JJ is very good at what he does, and almost had him convinced that it was all Sting's fault. Nash says he's known Sting for years and recounts their history. He says he's not sure if it's Sting's fault or Jarrett's fault. Nash says he knows how to deal with it, but there's young guys in the back who look up to JJ, and they're Jarrett's victims. Jarrett is as confused as I am and says as much. He reiterates how Nash used his clout to get jobs for Waltman and Hall and basically screw the company. Nash says he gets it, but how does Jeff live with it? He says the question is, how will Jeff deal with it when his daughters grow up and realize that their father is a selfish prick? INTRIGUE~! Decent enough mic work, but I just can't get interested. 2 for 4.

Match 4: Samoa Joe (#4) and Jeff Hardy (#2) fought to a time-limit draw in 10 minutes. They took a call from Bischoff during this match. He said he was a team player but had no idea what Dixie was up to. The match was good and the ending was logical. 3 for 5.

Jarrett and Dixie are backstage and Dixie laments that everyone was disappointed last week. She wants people to understand that this isn't a bad thing, and JJ readily does.

Match 5: Mr. Anderson over Matt Morgan via Mic Check in 4 minutes. Poor match, and Anderson's offence consisted of one headlock, 3 right hands, and the Mic Check. 3 for 6. Postmatch, Morgan attacks and wipes out Anderson with his own mic.

Match 6: Best of Five (Beer Money 1-0): Street Fight: Beer Money over Motor City Machine Guns via Beer Bottle (Roode on Shelley) in 7 minutes. Not as good as last week and the beer bottle finish is getting old. 4 for 7. What does Beer Money have to do to get a clean win?

Devon confronts Ray backstage, who for some reason is wearing an LAX shirt. He asks if Ray has the back of the ECW guys, but Ray says that Team 3D has nothing to prove to the ECW guys because they (3D) have achieved more than they (ECW) ever have.

Christy Hemme is in the back with RVD, who says it felt awesome to be in the ring with the ECW crowd again. He says ECW was a very important part of his life, and now that he can relive it as world champ, he's very happy. He doesn't know what Dixie has to say, but he's enthused.

Finally Dixie heads down to the ring to address the situation. She sucks up to the fans and says that the fans have clamored for extreme wrestling. She asks the Impact Zone to welcome the five gentlemen who have made hardcore wrestling an artform: Dreamer, Rhino, Richards, Raven, Foley. She goes on about how these guys were to ECW what Hogan was to wrestling. She says it was never about hardcore, it was about respect and dedication. About giving the fans what they wanted. Foley says they're thankful to her because she's given them a chance to make the last impression. He says no one's last moments should be with their heads hanging low. Dreamer takes over and talks about how he had his closure at ECW One Night Stand in 2005. He then stuck around to watch everyone get fired or destroyed. He puts over the similarities between ECW and TNA and says that at Slammiversary he got to see a bunch of people who have a passion for wrestling and for the fans. Dreamer says he quit his job when he couldn't handle it anymore and Foley opened him to the world of TNA but it was actually Dixie who could make it happen. He thanks her for making it happen. He says this is about their legacy; they are not taking over TNA. They want one night. The crowd is eating out of his hands now. Dixie says she can make it happen but on one condition - they plan it all and they make it real. The crowd is up for that. Dreamer says we're going extreme. That's that for tonight. They delivered a lot of passion with the promo and it was good mic work. It doesn't change the fact that these guys are old and probably can't go like they could 10 years ago. 4 for 8.

Wrestling Counter: 32 minutes.

The Score: 4 for 8: A mixed bag of a show, albeit with a decent amount of wrestling. The time-limit was well done, and the only gripe with the tag match was the lack of a clean finish. The main event promo from Dreamer was good and he got his emotion across to the crowd very very well, but there's no way I'm interested in TNA One Night Stand 2010. I don't care for Nash/Jarrett, either. It would be interesting to see where Hogan/Bischoff stand as far as ECW is concerned, though I am very relieved they're not doing an invasion angle.

Forfeit the game, before somebody else takes you outta the game, and puts your name to shameCover up your face, you can't run the raceThe pace is too fast, you just won't last- "Points Of Authority" - Linkin Park

Question (because I wasn't able to catch any part of the show tonight): Did they actually mention ECW by name at any point in the show? Because if they did, I'd imagine WWE would be very interested since they still own the rights to the name.

Originally posted by It's FalseQuestion (because I wasn't able to catch any part of the show tonight): Did they actually mention ECW by name at any point in the show? Because if they did, I'd imagine WWE would be very interested since they still own the rights to the name.

Yep. Dreamer mentioned it by name in his promo.

Forfeit the game, before somebody else takes you outta the game, and puts your name to shameCover up your face, you can't run the raceThe pace is too fast, you just won't last- "Points Of Authority" - Linkin Park

God, Tommy, get over it. Vince paid you handsomely for the last eight years, and kept you around way past the point of you being useful. You know what's an affront to the spirit of ECW? Old, washed-up, broken down assholes continually begging for one more shot in the limelight at the expense of something fresh and new.

I kinda really hope WWE sues them for the use of ECW. If they want to keep on poking the big dog with a sharp stick, they deserve to get bitten.

You can't sue someone by mentioning their name let alone a name of a company. TNA can't use the ECW logo, tapes and music. That is all Vince bought. The wrestlers are people and their past is not copyrighted, so Tommy can cut a promo and say anything about WWE, ECW, WCW and other wrestling company he worked for or knows of. TNA can't throw up the ECW logo. I am a little fuzzy if they can promote it as an ECW show, but that didn't stop the three or four hardcore reunions from happening either.

I thought Tommy's promo was great. I actually think most of these guys can go at least for the allotted time. I am sure we will see TNA stars in some form at the PPV. Dixie made a good case for having the PPV, some fans want the show to be more ECW, so why not give them ECW? I have no problem with TNA doing this as a one time thing and maybe re-introducing the world to Raven, Rhyno and other ECW alumni. If it gets Lita into the KO division, I'm all for it. Its just something to do while they get ready to start their run to Bound for Glory anyway.

The show was good and I am liking how things are progressing even thougy Abyss' tirade makes no sense now, but I am not sure the ECW guys where the "They", he was talking about. Taylor needs to put on some clothes. Her outfit last night did not make her look good at all. Even my wife thought it was stupid to put her in all revealing outfit when there isn't much to reveal. And yeah, Tara is the biker.

This was a very good show. Three solid TV matches, they end the Terry experiment, and like it or not, that was an emotional promo to end the show. The crowd ate it up, and it seemed so much more heartfelt than anything I have heard in a WWE promo since HBK retired.

Tommy says it's not an invasion, they are not taking over, it is just one night. If they keep putting on TV like they have the last few weeks I have no problem with the ECW PPV, because I don't order them anyway.

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

1) The main-event interview and the running annotations for the Lovely Mrs. Tracker (and our 3-week-old boy DolphDrew Jericho) just about sold me on buying that show. When Dixie said, essentially, TNA was hands off and the ECW guys would have free reign, I was stoked. I admit it. I have fond memories of ECW PPVs and live shows.

2) The Beer Money/MCMG match was a nice reminder of why ECW was so influential, but I wonder if the ECW guys can match what we just saw on free TV? These guys are younger and probably healthier, and they had some snazzy moments. Can the older guys compete with that?

I realized I'd rather see the ECW guys used in interesting ways in TNA instead of dusting off their circus act one more time. Stevie Richards was stuck as Abyss's therapist when he could always be a decent midcarder. Dreamer and Raven could be tag team contenders. They don't have to tread water on nostalgia and blood.

If Dixie is sincere that she heard the fans' demands for hardcore wrestling, there's no reason why it can't be done under the TNA banner. It just needs to be done simply -- no complicated cage rules, no wacky themes (barbwire ropes, etc). Let the guys innovate with props. That's what I want from hardcore wrestling. Blood, not so much. They don't have to be foolhardy. Let them be clever. If the WWE wants to punish people for using TIES, TNA can find a niche with the hardware.

And whatever role Team 3D plays in the PPV, God bless Brother Ray for already sowing the heel seeds. Heel Dudleys are the best Dudleys.

I saw more of this episode than any other TNA Impact since the Monday wars, and this was nice stuff. Except for Eric talking over the first part of Joe/Hardy. That seemed demeaning.

GOOD GOD, Anderson is TNA's best shot at a Steve Austin. He is scary over and working blue. I am shocked and more than a little entertained.

Originally posted by Amos CochranGod, Tommy, get over it. Vince paid you handsomely for the last eight years, and kept you around way past the point of you being useful. You know what's an affront to the spirit of ECW? Old, washed-up, broken down assholes continually begging for one more shot in the limelight at the expense of something fresh and new.

I kinda really hope WWE sues them for the use of ECW. If they want to keep on poking the big dog with a sharp stick, they deserve to get bitten.

Amen, brother. I couldn't stand his promo. Tommy seemed incredibly ungrateful for HAVING A JOB after his previous company went under. Vince didn't have to hire him, he didn't have to put the WWECW title on him...he could have gone somewhere else, but he stayed there. Complaining about how it all went down...that's classless.

Cry me a river, build a bridge, and get over it.

(edited by Oliver on 23.7.10 0801)2009-2010 WHL Fantasy League Champion!!!

You know if TNA is gonna keep giving away first time dream matches how bout you know giving it a build up for a week? They couldn't announce last week that this match was coming up? The announcers made a big deal of the match but again no interview before the match and Bischoff yammering on the phone about nothing for the first two minutes of the match. I thought the Match was good but I expected a bit better. You know Matt Morgan jobbing in a couple of minutes and then attacking someone is only gonna keep his heat for so long. He needs to win a match. Angle Vs Hernandez was a very solid match and I wish it would have gotten more time. It's clear that Velvet and Angie are gonna reunite but look like it will be as faces. Maybe Taylor will join them too. Love the best of five series and wish it was a best of seven series. This was another excellent match and these two team have tremendous chemistry. Yes the Beer bottle finish is very old. If TNA built up any match all show like they did for the Dixie explanation than they would be better off than they are now I really don't care about the ECW thing even if I am still a fan of some of the guys in it.

Originally posted by Amos CochranGod, Tommy, get over it. Vince paid you handsomely for the last eight years, and kept you around way past the point of you being useful. You know what's an affront to the spirit of ECW? Old, washed-up, broken down assholes continually begging for one more shot in the limelight at the expense of something fresh and new.

I kinda really hope WWE sues them for the use of ECW. If they want to keep on poking the big dog with a sharp stick, they deserve to get bitten.

Amen, brother. I couldn't stand his promo. Tommy seemed incredibly ungrateful for HAVING A JOB after his previous company went under. Vince didn't have to hire him, he didn't have to put the WWECW title on him...he could have gone somewhere else, but he stayed there. Complaining about how it all went down...that's classless.

Cry me a river, build a bridge, and get over it.

(edited by Oliver on 23.7.10 0801)

Not to mention he probably never had a payroll check from Vince bounce. I love ECW (original Heyman version) as much as the next guy, but my dad also loved the AFL and the ABA. He understood when they weren't coming back. Dreamer crapping on WWE would have been like Dr. J crapping on the NBA and begging for an ABA reunion.

Originally posted by Amos CochranGod, Tommy, get over it. Vince paid you handsomely for the last eight years, and kept you around way past the point of you being useful. You know what's an affront to the spirit of ECW? Old, washed-up, broken down assholes continually begging for one more shot in the limelight at the expense of something fresh and new.

I kinda really hope WWE sues them for the use of ECW. If they want to keep on poking the big dog with a sharp stick, they deserve to get bitten.

Amen, brother. I couldn't stand his promo. Tommy seemed incredibly ungrateful for HAVING A JOB after his previous company went under. Vince didn't have to hire him, he didn't have to put the WWECW title on him...he could have gone somewhere else, but he stayed there. Complaining about how it all went down...that's classless.

Cry me a river, build a bridge, and get over it.

(edited by Oliver on 23.7.10 0801)

Not to mention he probably never had a payroll check from Vince bounce. I love ECW (original Heyman version) as much as the next guy, but my dad also loved the AFL and the ABA. He understood when they weren't coming back. Dreamer crapping on WWE would have been like Dr. J crapping on the NBA and begging for an ABA reunion.

All valid points. I did say the promo was heartfelt, but I would imagine it is possible that Tommy was exaggerating a bit to sell the angle. Or, maybe he truly does feel like that. There are many people who work a job to support their family but are miserable because they hate everything the company represents. Burning bridges isn't always a good idea, but that doesn't stop most people from doing so. And if Vince ever saw dollar signs in a Tommy Dreamer DVD (as if), I would assume he would quickly forgive this.

"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

I liked the promo. Sue me. I've had to work jobs that I hated to keep food on the table, but just because I was grateful for the paycheck, didn't mean I didn't resent the boss from treating me like crap. And you totally get to a point where you weigh happiness vs. security.

What I'd like to see is Dreamer come out after the next Beer Money Vs. MCMG match and say something like, "You four guys never spent a day in ECW, but what you are doing is exactly what ECW was about. I'd like for the finals of your series to be at Hardcore Justice."

Make the show more about the celebration of no-limits wrestling instead of a bunch of old acts and I'd be much more interested.

Or as Bob Barnett might say, "once a carny, always a carny." Or was it jdw?

(This ALSO goes for Dixie saying "you have to have total control," by the way.)

Just because folks happen to be saying what you want to hear doesn't make it any less of an angle than the other stuff, guys. I could be misreading a few of your posts but a lot of you seem to be BELIEVING here and although it may still be real to you, dammit.....well, it's not.

As a Yankees fan, I always look forward to Old Timers day, to see people I used to really love, come out, wave to the crowd, and soak up some applause.

Seeing Raven, Rhyno, Stevie Richards and Dreamer out there, that's what it reminded me of. Tommy and Raven had one of the best feuds in the history of wrestling. Seeing them standing there, broken, beat down, and way WAY past their prime wasn't the same nestalgia I would have liked. Rhyno looked like the only one I would want to pay to see wrestle.

I love the old ECW, I love what it stood for, what it did for the business, and what the matches and feuds meant as a fan. But this is beyond sad. Let it go fellas, let it go.

Tommy's promo was heartfelt and very well done. I am very happy about the all ECW ppv and I can not wait to see it! I love when they talked about a ECW PPV the fans immediately started chanting:

SABU! SABU! SABU! SABU! SABU! SABU! SABU! SABU! SABU!

Thats because ECW will never die! This may be the last ECW ppv but it will be the best! TNA is giving all of us TRUE ECW fans one last stand and I can not wait to see this PPV, I for one will be watching and chanting:

Originally posted by ecwfan4life2004Thats because ECW will never die! This may be the last ECW ppv but it will be the best!

If someone thinks there are two nickels to be made from squeezing another drop of blood from the ECW stone, then someone will be running Sabu vs. Sandman in a tag match with Sabu Jr. and Tyler Fullington teaming with their parents in 2025 when all the PPV's are beamed directly into our brains and paid for by swiping our finger along the biometric reader attached to our Google IBank account.

I'm somewhere between in the middle and not really stoked about this mess. Yes I too loved the original ECW but comparing TNA to it is demeaning to any incarnation of ECW. Stop beating dead horses already. The only way I could really buy into the concept would be for the ECW guys to be manager types for current roster members to form a group allied to them to go against a TNA loyalist faction, in a program that lasted until BFG. Impact itself overall had some good matches that given real time could have been great but they continue to kill any real compelling interest from me by putting Nash, Anderson, and Jarrett on TV as well as continuing with the Hogan/Bischoff thing. I only watch TNA because they have some wrestlers I want to see work but their product does very little to entertain me in any way.

I don't get this sentiment that "Dreamer should be happy he had a job!" at all. That's ridiculous robber-baron thinking.

So he got to job out to Zach Ryder and then have 10 minutes to say 'goodbye'. By all accounts, he was a respected backstage hand (most notably even BEFORE WWE brought ECW back in bastard form) and WWE is very big on honoring their long-time, respected senior contractors. Even Brooklyn Brawler, of all people, gets good treatment and hey, Dreamer jobbed in WWE for years before ECW came back to existence right?

And outside of looking at it dispassionately, removing the WWE-colored glasses, wow. WWE let Dreamer have 5-10 minutes of mic time to say goodbye to his fans, of which there are plenty. And now WWE should get a parade and a key to the city for their generosity?

Dreamer quit because ECW turned into the triple-A minor league version of WWE. WWE treats the NXT show better than it ever did ECW. They intentionally turned something awesome (which people like Dreamer truly cared about) into something horrific and shitty. So when Dreamer cut his WWE promo he didn't slam WWE because he couldn't but last night, he was able to make his true feelings known. Good on him.

I think if you view it with any honesty you have to admit ECW and ECW talent got a raw deal from Vince. Dreamer's nice farewell or a meaningless reign of a meaningless title doesn't really change that. I mean, it would be incredibly noble if Dreamer decided those minutes of farewell after jobbing to Zach Ryder made up for whatever slights he felt he and ECW wrestlers endured when WWE systematically killed ECW, had him drink tobacco spit and toilet water, or whatever. I don't know if Dreamer has a personal pro/con checklist of the nice moments and the bad moments but if he did its going to be leaning towards the bad.

Most of all, I hardly think "Vince fucked ECW up the ass" is a controversial or factually untrue statement nor is it one that should be shoved under the rug because WWE gave Dreamer a pat on the ass on his way out instead of slamming the door behind him.